Member Newsletter
A Message From Your President
In this month's message, David Scharf talks with Ken Ruffin, president of the National Space Society of North Texas. David and Ken met earlier in April while experiencing the solar eclipse in Dallas, Texas. Watch an excerpt of their full conversation to find out what actuarial science, space exploration and weather forecasts have in common.
April 2024
- Membership News
- Education Spotlight
- CCA Community Digest
- Other Actuarial Association Opportunities
Membership News
The Actuary, the Astronomer, and the Meteorologist
. Those of you who are regular readers of this blog will not be surprised about my love of astronomy and the recommended soundtrack to this month’s blog post.* Of course, this is very apropos of what has been dubbed the Great North American Eclipse, which took place on April 8, 2024, and I want to share with you some of my thoughts on the eclipse, including a surprise connection to actuarial science.
Member Spotlight: Rob Bacher
Meet your fellow member, Rob Bacher. Rob’s favorite thing about being a CCA member is the people. And, he appreciates the innovative and supportive culture of the organization. He enjoys working on challenging and impactful projects and puts family before work. He has surrounded himself with good people and values continuous learning while daring to be different. Take a minute to get to know Rob.
Global Volunteer Month
As the CCA celebrates 75 years, we’ve asked members to reminisce about their involvement and what the CCA has meant personally and professionally. In Michael Clark’s own words, “…one of the great things about volunteering for the CCA is that there are opportunities to learn and develop new skills in a safe environment.” In recognition of Global Volunteer Month, thank you for all that you do!
Award Nominations Deadline: June 1
Annually, the CCA recognizes actuaries who go above and beyond to make a difference in their communities and workplaces. This year, we've introduced a new award, the New Volunteer Impact Award. Do you know a newly engaged CCA volunteer who is making a difference through their commitment to the organization? If yes, please submit a nomination form. Help us recognize and honor your peers this year for their outstanding contributions. Nominate your fellow CCA members for one of four awards.
Professional Resources
Past Issues
- Volume XXIX, Number 2, July 2017
- Volume XXIX, Number 1, March 2017
- Volume XXVIII, Number 2, October 2016
- Volume XXVIII, Number 1, April 2016
- Volume XXVII, Number 2, July 2015
- Volume XXVII, Number 1, March 2015
- Volume XXVI, Number 3, September 2014
- Volume XXVI, Number 2, May 2014
- Volume XXVI, Number 1, February 2014
- Volume XXV, Number 3, September 2013
- Volume XXV, Number 2, June 2013
- Volume XXV, Number 1, February 2013
- Volume XXIV, Number 3, September 2012
Education Spotlight
Technical Resource Library
This library, exclusively available to CCA members, provides Q&As on technical and regulatory retirement topics. The library includes all the questions and answers from the historical Gray Books (pension questions to IRS), Blue Books (questions to PBGC) and Green Books (pension questions to DOL), including annotations to direct you to subsequent developments that would affect the answer. The questions are categorized by topic, and you can also find questions by searching on key words.
New in 2024: Cross Discipline Series Subscription Bundle
This series covers both technical and non-technical topics that are relevant to all actuarial disciplines. Technical topics may include actuarial or financial modeling, risk analysis, data analysis, programming languages, or general ASOP discussions. Non-technical topics may include various business and consulting skills such as leadership, management, communication, mindset, or consulting practices and tools.
Women's Health: Reducing Costs and Improving Care
In this Innovative Healthcare Solutions podcast episode, host Ed Pudlowski talks with Joe Connelly, CEO of Visana, a virtual, full-service women's health clinic, about how they are improving outcomes and reducing the cost for a wide-range of women’s health conditions.
2024 CCA Meetings & Conferences
Healthcare Meeting Concludes Thank you attendees, program committee and presenters
A special thanks to the Healthcare Meeting program committee for planning and delivering a successful, thought-provoking meeting last week. The two-day, eight session meeting covered a wide range of topics such as artificial intelligence, healthcare trend, pharmacy benefit costs, the Inflation Reduction Act, Ethics and more. Weren’t able to attend? Join us in Marco Island, Florida for the Annual Meeting, October 27-30, 2024.
Annual Meeting Save the Date
Plan on joining us in Marco Island, Florida October 27-30, 2024, for the Annual Meeting. Sessions will be held at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort. Registration will open in June and the room block is now open – reserve your room now.
2023 Annual Meeting Session Summaries Available
For your reference, several of the 2023 Annual Meeting sessions have been summarized and are available on the website. Additionally, did you know that CCA members have access to download all of the meeting session handouts?
Community Digest
Community Digest
CCA Communities are active forums for getting answers, sharing your concerns and taking actions to help shape the profession. Visit your communities to stay up to date and join the conversation. To join communities, visit your member profile.
Community Discussion
Communities discuss issues and share information that is relevant to the CCA membership. This month, discussion topics included:
- International employee benefits
- 211 whistleblower experience
- 2024 mortality table factors
- Individual retirement system dashboards
- Special financial assistance - death audits
- Withdrawal liability - De Minimis rule for overfunded plan
- AI and other technologies
- CCRC general questions
- Emerging trends in retirement plans - corporate/single employer plans
New Leadership Interview Available
In the most recent edition of the Leadership Interview Series, our host, Michael Clark, interviews President David Scharf. David is a Principal at Buck, a Gallagher Company based in New Jersey just outside of NYC. He is a pension actuary with a specialty in executive benefits. Hear about David’s career journey, volunteering, and views on leadership.
Other Actuarial Association Opportunities
The CCA is proud to support the efforts of organizations that invest in the professional development of actuaries, and strive to bring more people into and diversify the actuarial profession. Support provided by the CCA includes financial and/or in-kind contributions to the following organizations:
Abacus Actuaries
A network of aspiring, practicing, and former actuaries, working together through mentorship programs, networking and other professional development opportunities to break the bamboo ceiling so Asians can achieve equal representation in the highest ranks of the actuarial profession.
International Association of Black Actuaries
The International Association of Black Actuaries (IABA) is a volunteer-based organization dedicated to increasing the number of successful Black actuaries through programs that address the underrepresentation of Blacks in the profession.
Network of Actuarial Women and Allies
An organization committed to connecting and empowering women of all backgrounds, races, ethnicities, and life circumstances to be successful in the actuarial profession.
Organization of Latino Actuaries
The Organization of Latino Actuaries (OLA) provides exam support, scholarships, job search support, and an interactive network and pipeline of talented Latino students and actuaries.
Sexuality and Gender Alliance of Actuaries
SAGAA’s purpose is to facilitate connections between LGBTQ+ actuaries and allies to engage in community-wide dialogue about LGBTQ+ issues. This group aims to create a safe space for dialogue, community, and career encouragement, while also educating the broader actuarial profession.
The Actuarial Foundation
The Foundation provides free virtual math resources and tutoring, administers middle and high school academic competitions and funds scholarships.